150 performers to take stage as Coast Fest begins

It'S fingers crossed for fun in the sun rather than fog on the Tyne as a popular coastal festival prepares for three days of top music action.

- BARBARA HODGSON

Coast Fest will get under way in North Shields today with a varied showcase, including plenty focus upon local talents.

The first day bill is set to headlined by Dutch DJ Laidback Luke, followed tomorrow by Glasgow indie-rockers Glasvegas and then The Lindisfarne Story Band themselves - starring Ray Laidlaw and Billy Mitchell - will be helping to wrap up on Sunday.

Lindisfarne drummer Laidlaw - a founder member of the band famed for the likes of Fog on the Tyne and Run for Home - is also producer of the Sunday for Sammy Trust, which supports emerging local talent, and this year the trust is again collaborating on Coast Fest which will play out in Percy Park Rugby Football Club in North Shields.